TRADITIONAL OWNERS ARE LEADING THE WAY
Indigenous governance is the cornerstone of caring for Country
EMPOWERING TRADITIONAL OWNERS
In the heart of Australia’s efforts to nurture and protect the Great Barrier Reef lies a transformative approach: the empowerment of Traditional Owners. Through the Reef Trust Partnership (RTP), we celebrate a pioneering stride towards Indigenous-led conservation. This journey underscores the vital role of Traditional Owner leadership in the co-design and co-delivery of programs that not only safeguard the Reef, but also reinforce the cultural ties that have bound Indigenous peoples to their lands and waters for millennia.
TRANSFORMING GOVERNANCE
The inception of the RTP, a beacon of applied solutions under the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan, was inspired by decades of advocacy and wisdom shared by Traditional Owners. Their voices, once sidelined, now lead the charge in crafting a future where cultural knowledge and modern science unite in defence of the Reef. The 2018 landmark report, “Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef: The Next Generation of Reef 2050 Actions,” marked an important moment, advocating for an inclusive governance model that respects and includes Indigenous perspectives.
At the core of our governance model are two pivotal structures: the Traditional Owner Advisory Group (TOAG) and Technical Working Groups (TWGs). These bodies demonstrate our commitment to a governance system that is not only inclusive but also leverages the rich, diverse expertise of Traditional Owners. Through strategic decision-making and hands-on program development, they show how Indigenous leadership can guide sustainable management and conservation efforts, ensuring the Reef’s resilience for generations to come.
CONTINUING OUR JOURNEY
The journey of integrating Indigenous governance into reef conservation is more than a story of environmental stewardship; it’s a narrative of cultural respect, mutual learning, and shared victories. It’s guided by the wisdom of Traditional Owners and supported by a community united in purpose.
The RTP embodies a transformative journey, helping turn decades of advocacy by Traditional Owners into tangible stewardship actions for the Great Barrier Reef. As the largest-ever investment in reef conservation, the RTP ushers in a ground-breaking era where the deep connection of Traditional Owners to Country becomes the guiding force for safeguarding the Reef. Their leadership and intimate knowledge are important for developing innovative strategies to combat environmental threats.
